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Canada has recently unveiled the first official list of designated employers for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP), marking a significant development in its immigration strategy. These employer-driven programs aim to attract skilled workers to rural and Francophone communities across the country.
Overview of RCIP and FCIP
Launched on January 30, 2025, the RCIP and FCIP are designed to address labor shortages in specific regions:
• RCIP: Targets skilled workers willing to settle in rural areas outside Quebec.
• FCIP: Focuses on French-speaking foreign workers with job offers in designated Francophone communities.
Both pathways offer permanent residency and LMIA-exempt work permits to eligible candidates who secure job offers from designated employers.
Timmins Leads the Way
The city of Timmins in Northern Ontario has become the first community to release its list of designated employers and priority occupations for both RCIP and FCIP. This proactive approach sets a precedent for other participating communities.
Priority Sectors in Timmins:
• Healthcare
• Education, Law, Social and Community Services, Government Services
• Trades and Transport
• Natural Resources and Agriculture
• Business, Finance, and Administration
Sample In-Demand Occupations:
• Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (NOC 31301)
• Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics (NOC 72400)
• Early Childhood Educators and Assistants (NOC 42202)
• Transport Truck Drivers (NOC 73300)
• Financial Advisors (NOC 11102)
Designation Process for Employers
Employers seeking designation under RCIP or FCIP must:Operate within a participating community for at least two years.
• Be in good standing with employment standards and occupational health and safety legislation.
• Engage in priority occupations identified by the community.
• Complete mandatory onboarding and intercultural competency training.
• Commit to supporting the settlement of newcomers and their families. Each community manages its own designation process, and there is no cost for employers to apply.
Next Steps
While Timmins has taken the lead, other participating communities are expected to release their lists of designated employers and priority occupations in the coming months. Prospective immigrants interested in these pathways should monitor official community websites and the IRCC portal for updates.
